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Collmenter's role in bullpen could expand

Collmenter's role in bullpen could expand

6/30/13: Josh Collmenter shuts out the Braves on one hit while recording a pair of strikeouts over 1 2/3 impressive innings of relief

By Andrew Owens
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MLB.com |

SAN FRANCISCO -- Josh Collmenter has pitched admirably in his role of long reliever this season. So much so that the club is considering using him later in games.

The D-backs have had issues holding leads and were tied with the Cubs for the most blown saves (19) in baseball entering Friday. Collmenter has been a consistent and solid presence in the bullpen, sporting a 2.55 ERA in 26 outings.

When asked whether Collmenter's success could lead to a more prominent role, manager Kirk Gibson said it might but that the team does not have another clear long-relief option.

"If you pitch him too much [as a setup man], then who's the long guy?" Gibson said.

Gibson presented the possibility that Collmenter could throw multiple innings as a setup man before handing the ball over to closer Heath Bell.

"We'll see where we're at in the game," Gibson said. "It's possible. He could pitch [innings] six, seven and eight.

"We'll come back and see how everybody's throwing and go from there."

Andrew Owens is an associate reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @OwensAndrew. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.